MSU Biology

Six student members of the Stream Ecology Lab attended the Society for Freshwater Science meeting and had the chance to meet one of their science heroes, Judy Li, at the opening reception. Pictured L-R: Connor Bruemmer, Lily Smith, Tobi Adenola, Judy Li, Korinna Brandt, Tanner Conwell, and Brynn Kayhill.

Connor Bruemmer presented his research, “Hyporheic resilience: Invertebrate communities minimally affected by variable channel stability along a gravel-bed river.”

This was Korinna Brandt’s first conference presentation, where she shared the first component of her MS thesis research in a poster entitled “Response of benthic organisms to patterns of alternating channel stability along the Gasconade River, Missouri (USA).”

Tanner Conwell, who is preparing to defend his MS thesis, presented key findings from his work in a poster entitled “Seasonal emergence patterns of a diverse assemblage of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera in two non-perennial headwater streams.”

Undergraduate researcher Brynn Kayhill presented her work for the City of Springfield, “Uncovering the ecological upshots of uncovering urban streams.”

Undergraduate researcher Lily Smith presented “Influences of fish on adult body size of stoneflies and a mayfly in two small, non-perennial streams.”

Tobi Adenola presented key results from his nearly completed MS research in a poster entitled “Effects of Fish on Macroinvertebrate Community Structure in Non-Perennial Streams.”

Lab leader Deb Finn gave two talks at the meeting and co-organized a special session honoring her PhD advisor, LeRoy Poff.

The group also attended a retirement celebration for their academic grandfather, LeRoy Poff — complete with honorary mustaches.

Meet Tabitha Moul, originally from Pennsylvania and now a proud graduate of the Missouri State University Biology Department! She graduated this May after making a lasting impact through her engagement and dedication within the department. Congratulations, Tabitha — we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next! 🎓🧬

Meet Kris Lopez, one of the recipients of the Outstanding Graduating Senior Award for 2026. Watch the video to learn more about Kris.🎊

Congratulations to you, Nivetha Umapriya Srinivasan! Nivetha has been accepted to the Biological Sciences MS program at Purdue University-Fort Wayne for fall 2026. Her academic advisor was Dr. Paul Durham. Good luck with your new journey.

Big fishes caught by students in the Fisheries Management class field trip this semester (Top, Adrian Macedo the instructor for the course, botto, one of his students).

Dr. Takehiro Kado with his lab students, Bryan A. Montero-Gutierrez and Ezoza Khikmatillaeva, who are graduating this Friday!

From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus - CNAS NewsWatch CNAS students conduct research to advance nanobiology and pollinator conservation.

Biology alumnus Bill McKelvey visited the department last week. Bill is currently a Senior Project Coordinator with the MU Extension office, where he works with the Food Systems Program. Bill said that his experiences in the department were very influential in his career success, saying, “It was all about the connections between students and faculty”. We agree, Bill! He spoke particularly fondly about his interactions with his mentor, Professor Wally Weber, who was important in establishing a strong botany base in our program.

Skyline Elementary School, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders came out today to explore three of our science departments (including Biology). Dr. Tara Herring and Amanda Coleman (and her mom) engaged our young scientists in cool hands on activities. Thanks for serving the community.